Simone Lawson
Diplomacy is the art and science of maintaining peaceful relationships between nations, groups, or individuals. The term 'diplomacy' is derived from the Greek verb 'diploun', which means 'to fold'. The practice of diplomacy has existed for thousands of years, with the first records of Chinese and Indian diplomacy dating back to the 1st millennium BCE. Ancient civilisations such as the Greek city-states, the Roman Empire, and the Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian kingdoms all had their own diplomatic traditions, which involved the exchange of envoys, the negotiation of treaties, and the management of international relations. Over time, diplomatic practices evolved and expanded, particularly during the Renaissance and the 20th century, to include summit meetings, international conferences, and the work of international organisations like the United Nations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First records of diplomacy | 1st millennium BCE |
| Regions with early records of diplomacy | Egypt, China, India, Middle East, Mediterranean, Mayan city-states, South America |
| Origin of the term 'diplomacy' | Ancient Greek diplōma, composed of diplo, meaning “folded in two,,” and the suffix -ma, meaning “an object." |
| Modern diplomatic practices | Post-Renaissance European state system |
| The term 'diplomat' | Coined in the 18th century |
| Professional diplomats | Introduced by the Romans |
| The first diplomats, according to 'myth-diplomacy' | Angels of God sent from Heaven to Earth |
| The art of deception in diplomacy | Originated from the Greek city-states placing their heralds under the guard of Hermes, the messenger of Zeus |
| Expansion of diplomacy | 20th century |
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What You'll Learn
The evolution of diplomacy
Ancient Civilisations and Early Forms of Diplomacy
Diplomacy, in its essence, involves the management of international relations and the conduct of official relations between groups or nations. The earliest known records of diplomacy date back to the 14th century BCE in Egypt, with the discovery of the Amarna tablets in 1887. These tablets revealed diplomatic communications between the pharaohs and various kingdoms in the Near East. Additionally, the ancient Greek city-states dispatched envoys to negotiate specific issues, such as war, peace, and commercial relations. The ancient Indian kingdoms and dynasties also had a long tradition of diplomacy, with the oldest treatise on statecraft and diplomacy, the "Arthashastra," attributed to Kautilya, adviser to the founder of the Maurya dynasty.
The Chinese also had a sophisticated diplomatic system, with leagues, missions, and resident envoys serving as hostages to ensure the good behaviour of their senders. This system emphasised the practical virtues of ethical behaviour in relations between states. Similarly, the Romans adopted the Greek city-states' diplomatic traditions and introduced the concepts of "jus gentium" and "jus naturale," international laws that influenced diplomacy.
Medieval and Renaissance Periods
During the medieval period, the view of diplomats as angels or messengers from heaven to earth was prevalent in Europe. The term "diplomacy" itself evolved from the Greek verb "diploun," meaning "to fold," which later became associated with official documents, passports, and agreements between sovereigns.
Modern Diplomacy
The modern diplomatic methods, practices, and principles that we know today largely originated from 17th-century European customs. By the 20th century, these European diplomatic practices had been adopted worldwide. Diplomacy expanded to include summit meetings, international conferences, and the work of international organisations like the United Nations (UN). The UN plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation, settling conflicts, and shaping international relations.
Professionalisation of Diplomacy
Beginning in the early 20th century, diplomacy became increasingly professionalised. The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provided a framework for diplomatic procedures and conduct, and most diplomacy is now conducted by accredited officials such as envoys and ambassadors.
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Diplomacy in ancient civilisations
The emergence of writing and the development of communication technologies have been crucial in the history of diplomacy. Ancient civilisations across the world, including in China, India, Africa, and the Americas, practised diplomacy concurrently.
Diplomacy in ancient Mesopotamia, for instance, involved the use of diplomatic marriages to establish alliances and negotiate peace. The Sumerian king Lugal-Anne-Mundu of Adab married the daughter of the king of Kish, forming a powerful alliance between their two city-states. Similarly, pharaohs in ancient Egypt often practised diplomatic polygamy to amplify their political power.
Ancient Greece also had a system of diplomacy. The city-state of Athens developed the "Megarian decree," which sought to economically pressure and isolate other city-states. The ancient Greek city-states also dispatched envoys to negotiate specific issues, such as war and peace, or commercial relations.
The first records of Chinese diplomacy date back to the 1st millennium BCE. By the 8th century BCE, the Chinese had leagues, missions, and a sophisticated system of polite discourse between their many feuding kingdoms. They also had resident envoys who served as hostages to guarantee the good behaviour of the kingdoms that sent them.
The first records of Indian diplomacy also date from the 1st millennium BCE. Arthashastra, the oldest treatise on statecraft and diplomacy, is attributed to Kautilya, the principal adviser to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty.
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The role of the diplomat
The role of a diplomat is to represent and further the interests of the state that has appointed them. Diplomats are responsible for conducting diplomacy with other states or international organisations. They are often involved in negotiating treaties, attending state dinners, and arranging visas for travellers.
Diplomats are appointed by a state, intergovernmental, or non-governmental institution. They are the oldest form of any of the foreign policy institutions of a state, predating foreign ministers and ministerial offices. Diplomats are usually granted diplomatic immunity, and they use diplomatic passports for official travel.
Diplomats are responsible for collecting and reporting information that could impact national interests, often with advice on how the home-country government should respond. They play a crucial role in conveying the views of their home government to other governments and persuading them to act in ways that align with the interests of their home country. They are involved in the initiation and facilitation of strategic agreements, treaties, and conventions, as well as promoting information, trade, commerce, technology, and friendly relations.
The specific roles and responsibilities of diplomats vary depending on their specialisation. Economic officers work with foreign governments on issues such as internet freedom, scientific advances, environmental protection, and trade laws. Management officers are responsible for the operations of embassies, consulates, or diplomatic missions, including real estate, personnel, and budget management. Political officers keep the ambassador informed about political events and changes in the country. Public diplomacy officers engage directly with people in foreign countries to build mutual understanding and support for their country's policies through various communication channels and exchange programs. Consular officers assist and protect citizens of their country abroad, providing assistance with legal issues, passport loss, and marriage to foreigners.
Diplomats are often classified into ranks such as secretary, counsellor, minister, ambassador, envoy, or chargé d'affaires, as regulated by international law, specifically the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
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Diplomacy in modern history
Modern diplomatic methods, practices, and principles largely originated from 17th-century European customs. In the 18th and 19th centuries, as European power spread around the world, so too did its diplomatic model, and Asian countries adopted syncretic or European diplomatic systems.
Diplomacy in the modern era has been marked by the professionalization of diplomatic processes, with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations providing a framework for diplomatic procedures, methods, and conduct. Most diplomacy is now conducted by accredited officials, such as envoys and ambassadors, through dedicated foreign affairs offices. The role of diplomats has expanded to include advising government officials and shaping state policies.
The study of diplomatic history has also evolved, with a renewed interest in the discipline since the collapse of communism in the early 1990s. Historians of the early modern era have led this renaissance, incorporating perspectives from political science, sociology, cultural history, and the history of mentalities. Diplomatic history has become increasingly relevant in the United States, influencing the internationalization of American historical studies and the exploration of culture, identity, and political ideologies in foreign affairs.
The practice of diplomacy has adapted to new technologies, from the telegraph to the internet, and has been influenced by global events such as the Napoleonic Wars and World War I. The post-collectivist age has seen a trend towards minimizing foreign services and modernizing diplomatic representation to save tax revenue. Despite these changes, diplomacy remains a crucial instrument of foreign policy, facilitating international negotiations and shaping global relations.
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The future of diplomacy
Diplomacy has evolved at a rapid pace, with new media tools and empowered publics transforming it into a global participatory process. The focus has shifted from closed-door negotiations to a more open and reactive approach, with diplomats responding instantly to crises fuelled by social media. This has led to greater transparency and wider engagement, but also to concerns about confidentiality and security.
Digital diplomacy, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has opened up new opportunities for conducting diplomacy online. However, it is important to recognise that diplomacy will remain a "contact sport", with in-person discussions being vital for addressing complex global issues. The future of diplomacy lies in embracing the benefits of technology while also capitalising on the new opportunities it offers to diplomatic practitioners.
Climate diplomacy is another key area of focus, with organisations like Wilton Park supporting initiatives such as the Zero Emissions Vehicles Transition Council and FACT Dialogues to promote sustainable practices and address climate change. Small state diplomacy is also gaining attention, as small states are particularly vulnerable to global developments beyond their borders, such as climate change and shifts in the global economy.
In conclusion, the future of diplomacy is characterised by a combination of online engagement and in-person interactions, with a focus on addressing global challenges such as climate change and fostering cooperation between nations, regardless of their size or influence. Diplomats will need to be agile and responsive to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Diplomacy is the art and science of maintaining peaceful relationships between nations, groups, or individuals. It involves representatives of different groups discussing issues such as conflict, trade, the environment, technology, or security.
The concept of diplomacy has existed since ancient times, with traces of Egyptian diplomacy dating back to the 14th century BCE and the first records of Chinese and Indian diplomacy dating from the 1st millennium BCE. The ancient Greek city-states also dispatched envoys to negotiate specific issues, and the Romans trained professional diplomats. However, modern diplomatic practices are largely a product of the post-Renaissance European state system, with the term "diplomat" coming into use in the 18th century.
The Amarna tablets, discovered in Egypt in 1887, are the earliest known records of the ancient international system. They include diplomatic letters written in Akkadian, the diplomatic language of the ancient Near East, between the pharaohs and various kings of the region. Another example is the leagues, missions, and organized systems of polite discourse between the Chinese "warring states" in the 8th century BCE, which included resident envoys who served as hostages to ensure good behaviour.
Over time, diplomacy has expanded beyond bilateral relations to include summit meetings, international conferences, parliamentary diplomacy, and the work of international organizations like the United Nations (UN). The UN plays a significant role in promoting cooperation and settling conflicts between nations. Additionally, the professionalization of diplomacy began in the early 20th century, with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations providing a framework for diplomatic procedures.
Diplomacy is based on the idea of fostering peaceful relationships and resolving conflicts through dialogue, negotiation, and measures short of war or violence. It involves influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples. Diplomats represent their country's interests and advise government officials, aiming to help their nation and encourage cooperation between states.
